I would like you to think about the word “grace” for a moment.
Grace is defined as being: “the free and unmerited favor of God,” as manifested in “the salvation of sinners” and the “bestowal of blessings.”
Big words, I know…
Words that do need our consideration…
What it means to say is – that “grace” is something that is “undeserved,” and yet is “freely poured out and given.”
Grace is…well…grace! Grace is “a blessing!” It is to be “favored” or “approved of,” “accepted” or “held in high esteem or in “high regard.” It is to be “respected and loved.” It is un-merited. Unwarranted… There is absolutely nothing you can do, to deserve it. It is bestowed or given. Freely… Without cost…
The story of the season of Advent is all about “grace.”
Likewise, the passion (narrative or story) about the death of Jesus is all about “grace,” as well.
It is because of “grace” that we have found favor with God.
And I know it is a cliché, but it is “amazing,” is it not?
“WE” (you and I) have found FAVOR with God. You think you made it this far, on your own? Really?
It may not always seem like it-or feel like it to us, but we have gotten this far, by the grace of God alone!
Because of “grace,” we have found favor with God…we are “unconditionally loved” and “accepted, embraced and held in high esteem.” Do not let anybody tell you otherwise…including yourself – and your own self-talk!
When I say, “the Lord is with you.” These are not “just mere words recklessly stated.” They are not “lofty words” or “wishful words.” What I mean to say is, THE LORD IS WITH YOU! HE IS. PRESENT. ABIDING. THERE. BESIDE YOU. WITH YOU AND IN YOU.
They are “grace-filled words.” Gospel words…words of good news. The Lord is indeed with you and surrounding you. You are not alone, nor will you ever be.
“WE” should be overwhelmed by the love and the grace of our God…but sadly we are not.
Instead, we ask, “How can this be?”
Me? Me, of all people? Why me? You’ve got to be kidding—ME!?!
Our reaction is to not believe it. We find it incredulous. Why, me? This is some kind of a joke right?
I don’t feel “favored.” My life doesn’t seem “favored.” I don’t always feel “blessed…” Sometimes, I find myself feeling down or depressed or besides myself… Blessed? Me???
In the Living Translation of the Bible Gabriel’s welcome to Mary is: “Greetings, favored woman!” “The Lord is with you!”
This speaks volumes to me…and it should to you, as well.
There is acceptance here.
We are accepted.
We are loved…and cherished…
Right away in the first chapter of Luke’s gospel we hear these great words of faith-coming from Mary: “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be to me as you have said.”
This is our story, too. It is a story of faith. It is a story of grace.
There is a parallel later on, to it – in the Garden of Gethsemane narrative.
Jesus praying alone, by himself in the garden. The disciples are all but asleep. The clock is ticking down. He is hours, minutes away from beatings, and all kinds of unimaginable brutality…and yet he manages to cry out, “Thy will be done!”
“Faith.” Great faith. There is a realization that God will help you get through the next moment…the next few hours, the next day, the next week…
YOU ARE NOT ALONE – there is grace.
Things may not be all hunky – dory, they may not be as they once were, but you are here, you are not alone, you are of infinite value and you are blessed.
Mary didn’t get it either…she was perplexed and confused by the angels greeting. She did not know what to make of it. Favored one! Me! You’ve got to be kidding…I am hardly favored…
And yet she was.
You have found favor with God…And you have found favor with God…and you…and you…and you…and you!
I tell you, this season of Advent – that is coming quickly to a close is all about “grace.”
The Lord IS WITH YOU! And you are surrounded with HIS grace, love and acceptance. You are indeed blessed.
Amen.